U.S. patent number 7,988,565 [Application Number 12/512,600] was granted by the patent office on 2011-08-02 for golf club head.
This patent grant is currently assigned to SRI Sports Limited. Invention is credited to Hiroshi Abe.
United States Patent |
7,988,565 |
Abe |
August 2, 2011 |
Golf club head
Abstract
A head 2 is hollow. The head 2 has a sole part 8. The sole part
8 has a groove forming part k1 having a recessed outer surface g1
and a protruding inner surface s1. The sole part 8 has a first
groove forming part k1 and a second groove forming part k1. The
first groove forming part k1 and the second groove forming part k1
have a front-back directional length. A distance between the first
groove forming part k1 and the second groove forming part k1 in a
toe-heel direction is wider toward a back of the head. Preferably,
the first groove forming part k1 and the second groove forming part
k1 exist on a back of a face surface 13. Preferably, the sole part
8 has a connecting groove part r1. The connecting groove part r1 is
formed by connecting a front end of the first groove forming part
k1 to a front end of the second groove forming part k1 with each
other.
Inventors: |
Abe; Hiroshi (Kobe,
JP) |
Assignee: |
SRI Sports Limited (Kobe,
JP)
|
Family
ID: |
41608938 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/512,600 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2009 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20100029408 A1 |
Feb 4, 2010 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Jul 31, 2008 [JP] |
|
|
2008-197587 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/328; 473/346;
473/345 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
53/0466 (20130101); A63B 60/52 (20151001); A63B
53/047 (20130101); A63B 53/0433 (20200801); A63B
2209/02 (20130101); A63B 2209/00 (20130101); A63B
2071/0625 (20130101); A63B 53/0408 (20200801) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
53/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;473/324-350,287-292
;D21/752 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005-95247 |
|
Apr 2005 |
|
JP |
|
2006-204604 |
|
Aug 2006 |
|
JP |
|
2008-86351 |
|
Apr 2008 |
|
JP |
|
Primary Examiner: Passaniti; Sebastiano
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Birch, Stewart, Kolasch &
Birch, LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A hollow golf club head comprising: a sole part, wherein the
sole part has a first groove forming part and a second groove
forming part which have a recessed outer surface and a protruding
inner surface; the first groove forming part and the second groove
forming part have a front-back directional length; and a distance
between the first groove forming part and the second groove forming
part in a toe-heel direction increases in a direction toward a back
of the head; the sole part further comprising: a plurality of sets
of the first groove forming part and the second groove forming
part, wherein the sole part is absent of any other groove forming
parts between the first groove forming part and the second groove
forming part of a first set of the plurality of sets, and wherein
the sole part is absent of any other groove forming parts between
the first groove forming part and the second groove forming part of
a second set of the plurality of sets.
2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the first
groove forming part and the second groove forming part of each of
the first and second sets exist on a back of a face surface.
3. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the sole part
has a connecting groove part formed by connecting a front end of
the first groove forming part and a front end of the second groove
forming part of each of the first and second sets with each
other.
4. The golf club head according to claim 3, wherein a length Lr of
the connecting groove part in each of the first and second sets is
100 mm or greater and 200 mm or less.
5. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the sole part
has a first connecting groove part formed by connecting a front end
of the first groove forming part and a front end of the second
groove forming part of the first set of the plurality of sets with
each other, a second connecting groove part formed by connecting a
front end of the first groove forming part and a front end of the
second groove forming part of the second set of the plurality of
sets with each other; wherein the first connecting groove part is
provided on a toe side relative to a center section plane of the
head; and the second connecting groove part is provided on a heel
side relative to the center section plane of the head.
6. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein a ratio [ta/tb]
of a thickness ta (mm) of the groove forming parts in each of the
first and second sets to an average thickness tb (mm) of the sole
part excluding the groove forming parts is 1.0 or greater and 2.0
or less.
7. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein an angle
.theta.a between an extending direction of the first groove forming
part and an extending direction of the second groove forming part
adjacent to the first groove forming part in each of the first and
second sets is 5 degrees or greater and 60 degrees or less.
8. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein an angle
.theta.t between the groove forming part in each of the first and
second sets located closest to a toe side and a front-back
direction is 10 degrees or greater and 60 degrees or less; and an
angle .theta.h between the groove forming part in each of the first
and second sets located closest to a heel side and the front-back
direction is 10 degrees or greater and 60 degrees or less.
9. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein an absolute
value of an angle .theta.1 between an extending direction of the
groove forming part in each of the first and second sets nearest to
a center section plane and a front-back direction is 5 degrees or
greater and 30 degrees or less.
10. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein an angle
.theta.2 between an extending direction of the groove forming part
in each of the first and second sets farthest from a center section
plane and a front-back direction is 10 degrees or greater and 60
degrees or less.
11. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein an angle
.theta.3 between an extending direction of the groove forming part
in each of the first and second sets located closest to a toe side
and an extending direction of the groove forming part located
closest to a heel side is 20 degrees or greater 120 degrees or
less.
12. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein a straight
line Lx connects a point on the groove forming part in each of the
first and second sets located closest to a front and a point on the
groove forming part located closest to a back with each other; and
a ratio [m1/L1] of a maximum distance m1 (mm) between a point
existing on the groove fonning part and the straight line Lx to a
length L1 (mm) of the straight line Lx is equal to or less than
0.5.
13. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein a height H1
(mm) of a protruding part on an inner surface side of the groove
forming parts in each of the first and second sets is 0.1 mm or
greater and 3 mm or less.
14. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein a difference
(H1-D1) between a height H1 (mm) of a protruding parts on an inner
surface side of the groove forming parts in each of the first and
second sets and a groove depth D1 (mm) on an outer surface side of
the groove forming part is 0.1 mm or greater and 2 mm or less.
15. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein a groove Mt
other than the groove forming parts in each of the first and second
sets is formed on the sole part; and the groove Mt and the groove
forming parts in each of the first and second sets are not crossed
with each other.
16. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein a length Lk1
of the groove forming parts in each of the first and second sets is
30 mm or greater and 150 mm or less.
17. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein a difference
[Lk11-Lk12] between a length Lk11 (mm) of the groove forming parts
in each of the first and second sets nearest to a center section
plane on a toe side relative to the center section plane and a
length Lk12 (mm) of the groove forming parts in each of the first
and second sets farthest from the center section plane on the toe
side relative to the center section plane is 5 mm or greater and 80
mm or less.
18. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein a difference
[Lk11-Lk12] between a length Lk11 (mm) of the groove forming part
in each of the first and second sets nearest to a center section
plane on a heel side relative to the center section plane and a
length Lk12 (mm) of the groove forming part in each of the first
and second sets farthest from the center section plane on the heel
side relative to the center section plane is 5 mm or greater and 80
mm or less.
19. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein a volume of
the head is 350 cc or greater and 460 cc or less.
20. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein a weight of
the head is 170 g or greater and 220 g or less.
Description
The present application claims priorities on Japanese Patent
Application No. 2008-197587 filed on Jul. 31, 2008. The whole
contents of the Japanese Patent Application are hereby incorporated
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hollow golf club head.
2. Description of the Related Art
A hollow golf club head has been known. The hollow structure
increases a head volume and a moment of inertia. A so-called wood
type golf club head is usually hollow.
The volume of a hollow part is increased and the thickness of the
head is thinned with the increase in size of the head. The head
increased in size causes a loud hitting sound.
Golf club heads for obtaining a good hitting sound have been
disclosed. As the inventions considering a hitting sound, Japanese
Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-204604
(US2006-172818 A1), Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 2008-86351, and Japanese Unexamined Patent
Application Publication No. 2005-95247. Japanese Unexamined Patent
Application Publication No. 2006-204604 discloses a head having a
sole and a rib provided on the inner surface of the sole. The rib
has a toe side end and a heel side end which are curved toward a
face side relative to a central region.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The hollow golf club head with a great volume has a drawback that a
hitting sound is excessively lowered. A higher hitting sound is
preferable in order to obtain a good hitting sound. When the rib is
provided on the inner surface of the sole, the rigidity of the sole
increases and the hitting sound is high. However, in this case, the
increase in the weight of the head is caused by the existence of
the rib.
It is possible to form a groove on an outer surface of the sole and
to form a protruding part at a position on the reverse side of the
groove on the inner surface of the sole. The constitution can
suppress the increase in the weight and enhance the rigidity of the
sole. The enhancement of the rigidity of the sole can improve the
hitting sound. However, in this case, stress concentrates on the
groove or the protruding part on the reverse side thereof, and the
durability is apt to be deteriorated.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf club
head capable of attaining the improvement of the hitting sound and
the enhancement of the durability while suppressing the increase in
the weight.
A golf club head according to the present invention has a sole
part. The sole part has a groove forming part having a recessed
outer surface and a protruding inner surface. The sole part has a
first groove forming part and a second groove forming part. The
first groove forming part and the second groove forming part have a
front-back directional length. A distance between the first groove
forming part and the second groove forming part in a toe-heel
direction is wider toward a back of the head. The golf club head is
hollow.
Preferably, the first groove forming part and the second groove
forming part exist on a back of a face surface.
Preferably, the sole part has a connecting groove part formed by
connecting a front end of the first groove forming part and a front
end of the second groove forming part with each other.
Preferably, a first connecting groove part is provided on a toe
side relative to a center section plane of the head, and a second
connecting groove part is provided on a heel side relative to the
center section plane of the head.
Preferably, a ratio [ta/tb] of a thickness ta (mm) of the groove
forming part to an average thickness tb (mm) of the sole part
excluding the groove forming part is 1.0 or greater and 2.0 or
less.
Preferably, the first groove forming part and the second groove
forming part which are adjacent to each other exist.
Preferably, a plurality of sets consisting of the first groove
forming part and the second groove forming part exist.
Preferably, an angle .theta.a between an extending direction of the
first groove forming part and an extending direction of the second
groove forming part adjacent to the first groove forming part is 5
degrees or greater and 60 degrees or less.
Preferably, an angle .theta.t between the groove forming part
located closest to a toe side and a front-back direction is 10
degrees or greater and 60 degrees or less; and an angle .theta.h
between the groove forming part located closest to a heel side and
the front-back direction is 10 degrees or greater and 60 degrees or
less.
Preferably, an absolute value of an angle .theta.1 between an
extending direction of the groove forming part nearest to a center
section plane and a front-back direction is 5 degrees or greater
and 30 degrees or less.
Preferably, an angle .theta.2 between an extending direction of the
groove forming part farthest from a center section plane and a
front-back direction is 10 degrees or greater and 60 degrees or
less.
Preferably, an angle .theta.3 between an extending direction of the
groove forming part located closest to a toe side and an extending
direction of the groove forming part located closest to a heel side
is 20 degrees or greater 120 degrees or less.
Preferably, a straight line Lx connects a point on the groove
forming part located closest to a front and a point on the groove
forming part located closest to a back with each other; and a ratio
[m1/L1] of a maximum distance m1 (mm) between a point existing on
the groove forming part and the straight line Lx to a length L1
(mm) of the straight line Lx is equal to or less than 0.5.
Preferably, a height H1 (mm) of a protruding part on an inner
surface side of the groove forming part is 0.1 mm or greater and 3
mm or less.
Preferably, a difference (H1-D1) between a height H1 (mm) of a
protruding part on an inner surface side of the groove forming part
and a groove depth D1 (mm) on an outer surface side of the groove
forming part is 0.1 mm or greater and 2 mm or less.
Preferably, a groove Mt other than the groove forming part is
formed on the sole part; and the groove Mt and the groove forming
part are not crossed with each other.
Preferably, a length Lk1 of the groove forming part is 30 mm or
greater and 150 mm or less.
Preferably, a difference [Lk11-Lk12] between a length Lk11 (mm) of
the groove forming part nearest to a center section plane on a toe
side than the center section plane and a length Lk12 (mm) of the
groove forming part farthest from the center section plane on the
toe side than the center section plane is 5 mm or greater and 80 mm
or less.
Preferably, a difference [Lk11-Lk12] between a length Lk11 (mm) of
the groove forming part nearest to a center section plane on a heel
side than the center section plane and a length Lk12 (mm) of the
groove forming part farthest from the center section plane on the
heel side than the center section plane is 5 mm or greater and 80
mm or less.
Preferably, a length Lr of the connecting groove part is 100 mm or
greater and 200 mm or less.
Preferably, a volume of the head is 350 cc or greater and 460 cc or
less.
Preferably, a weight of the head is 170 g or greater and 220 g or
less.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of
the present invention as seen from a crown side;
FIG. 2 is a view of the head of FIG. 1 as seen from a sole side,
FIG. 2 substantially equal to a projected image Te to be described
later;
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along a line III-III in FIG.
2;
FIG. 4 is a view of the head of FIG. 1 as seen from the sole
side;
FIG. 5 is a view of a head according to a second embodiment as seen
from a sole side, FIG. 5 substantially equal to the projected image
Te;
FIG. 6 is the view of the head according to the second embodiment
as seen from the sole side;
FIG. 7 is a view of a head according to a third embodiment as seen
from a sole side, FIG. 7 substantially equal to the projected image
Te;
FIG. 8 is the view of the head according to the third embodiment as
seen from the sole side;
FIG. 9 is a view of a head of Comparative Example 1 as seen from a
sole side; and
FIG. 10 is a view of a head of Comparative Example 2 as seen from a
sole side.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail
according to the preferred embodiments with appropriate references
to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a view of a golf club head 2 according to one embodiment
of the present invention as seen from a crown side. FIG. 2 is a
view of the head 2 as seen from a sole side. FIG. 3 is a cross
sectional view of a sole part taken along a line III-III in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a view of the head 2 as seen from the sole side as in
FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is shown in addition to FIG. 2 in order to prevent a
large number of reference numerals and auxiliary lines from
concentrating.
The head 2 has a face part 4, a crown part 6, a sole part 8, a side
part 10, and a hosel part 12. The outer surface of the face part 4
is a face surface 13. The crown part 6 extends toward the backside
of the head from the upper edge of the face part 4. The sole part 8
extends toward the backside of the head from the lower edge of the
face part 4. The side part 10 extends between the crown part 6 and
the sole part 8. As shown in FIG. 4, the inside of the head 2 is
hollow. The head 2 is a hollow golf club head. The head 2 is a
so-called wood type golf club head.
The hosel part 12 has a hole 14 to which a shaft is mounted. The
shaft (not shown) is inserted into the hole 14. The hole 14 has a
centeral axial line Z1 (not shown). The centeral axial line Z1
generally conforms to a shaft axial line of a golf club provided
with the head 2.
In the present invention, a standard perpendicular plane, a
front-back direction, a toe-heel direction and a standard
projection plane are defined. A standard condition denotes a state
that the centeral axial line Z1 is contained in a plane P1
perpendicular to a horizontal plane H and the head is placed on the
horizontal plane H at a prescribed lie angle and real loft angle.
In the standard condition, the standard vertical plane denotes the
plane P1. In the standard condition, the horizontal plane H is the
standard projection plane.
In the present application, the toe-heel direction is a direction
of line of intersection between the standard perpendicular plane
and the horizontal plane H. In the present application, the
front-back direction is a direction perpendicular to the toe-heel
direction and parallel to the horizontal plane H.
In the present application, "front" and "front side" are judged on
the basis of the front-back direction. In the present application,
"back" and "back side" are judged on the basis of the front-back
direction. In the present application, "toe side" is judged on the
basis of the toe-heel direction. In the present application, "heel
side" is judged on the basis of the toe-heel direction.
A plurality of grooves mz1 are provided on an outer surface g1 of
the sole part 8. Four grooves mz1 are provided on the sole part 8
of the head 2. Recesses are formed on the outer surface g1 of the
sole part 8 by the grooves mz1.
As shown in FIG. 3, protruding parts mz2 are formed at positions
corresponding to the grooves mz1 on an inner surface s1 of the sole
part 8. The cross sectional shape of the groove mz1 is an
approximately V shape. The cross sectional shape of the protruding
part mz2 is an approximately V shape. The cross sectional shape of
the groove mz1 and the cross sectional shape of the protruding part
mz2 are approximately equal.
The cross sectional shape of the groove mz1 is not limited. A
rectangle and a semicircle or the like are exemplified as the cross
sectional shape of the groove mz1. The cross sectional shape of the
protruding part mz2 is not limited. A rectangle and a semicircle or
the like are exemplified as the cross sectional shape of the
protruding part mz2.
The protruding parts mz2 linearly extend on the inner surface s1 of
the sole part 8 (not shown). The protruding part mz2 extend along
the groove mz1 on the reverse side of the groove mz1 (not
shown).
The sole part 8 has a groove forming part k1 having a recessed
outer surface g1 and a protruding inner surface s1. A plurality of
groove forming parts k1 are provided. In the head 2, four groove
forming parts k1 are provided. The outer surface of the groove
forming part k1 forms the groove mz1. The inner surface of the
groove forming part k1 forms the protruding part mz2.
All the groove forming parts k1 do not reach the face surface 13.
All the groove forming parts k1 terminate without reaching the face
surface 13. All the groove forming parts k1 exist on a back of the
face surface 13. Since the groove forming parts k1 do not reach the
face surface 13, the groove forming parts k1 are less likely to be
subjected to impact at the time of hitting a ball. Therefore, load
on the groove forming parts k1 can be reduced and the durability of
the head 2 can be enhanced.
As shown in FIG. 3, a thickness ta (mm) of the groove forming part
k1 is approximately equal to an average thickness tb (mm) of the
sole part 8 excluding the groove forming part k1. In light of
hitting sound improving effect and the durability of the groove
forming part k1, [ta/tb] is preferably equal to or greater than
1.0, more preferably equal to or greater than 1.1, and still more
preferably equal to or greater than 1.2. In light of the durability
of the sole part 8 and of the suppression of the increase in the
weight, [ta/tb] is preferably equal to or less than 2.0, and more
preferably equal to or less than 1.5.
The head 2 has a groove forming part k11, a groove forming part
k12, a groove forming part k13 and a groove forming part k14 as the
groove forming part k1. The cross sectional shapes of all the
groove forming parts k1 are common. The groove forming part k11 is
not parallel to the toe-heel direction. Therefore, the groove
forming part k11 has a front-back directional length. Similarly,
the groove forming part k12 has the front-back directional length.
The groove forming part k13 has the front-back directional length.
The groove forming part k14 has the front-back directional
length.
The groove forming part k1 has a front end e1 and a back end e2.
All the groove forming parts k1 have the front end e1 and the back
end e2.
The groove forming part k11 extends linearly. The groove forming
part k12 extends linearly. The groove forming part k13 extends
linearly. The groove forming part k14 extends linearly.
In the present invention, the sole part 8 has a first groove
forming part and a second groove forming part. One of the plurality
of groove forming parts k1 is the first groove forming part. The
other one of the plurality of groove forming parts k1 is the second
groove forming part. Any of the plurality of groove forming parts
k1 may be the first groove forming part. Any of the plurality of
groove forming parts k1 may be the second groove forming part. All
the groove forming parts excluding the first groove forming part
may be the second groove forming part.
In the head 2, for example, the groove forming part k11 is the
first groove forming part. In the head 2, for example, the groove
forming part k12 is the second groove forming part. As shown in
FIG. 2, a distance B1 between the first groove forming part (groove
forming part k11) and the second groove forming part (groove
forming part k12) in the toe-heel direction is wider toward a back
of the head (see FIG. 4). That is, the distance B1 is narrower
toward the front of the head.
In the head 2, for example, the groove forming part k13 is the
second groove forming part. In the head 2, for example, the groove
forming part k14 is the first groove forming part. As shown in FIG.
2, a distance B1 between the first groove forming part (groove
forming part k14) and the second groove forming part (groove
forming part k13) in the toe-heel direction is wider toward the
back of the head (see FIG. 4). That is, the distance B1 is narrower
toward a front of the head.
The first groove forming part and the second groove forming part
are preferably adjacent to each other. That is, the first groove
forming part k1 and the second groove forming part k1 are
preferably selected so as that another groove forming part does not
exist between the first groove forming part and the second groove
forming part. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the groove
forming part k11 located closest to a toe side may be defined as
the first groove forming part k1, and the groove forming part k14
located closest to a heel side may be defined as the second groove
forming part k1. The distance B1 between the first groove forming
part k11 and the second groove forming part k14 in the toe-heel
direction is wider toward the back of the head. When the plurality
of groove forming parts k1 exist on the toe side relative to a
center section plane Pc, one of the groove forming parts k1 on the
toe side relative to a center section plane Pc is preferably
defined as the first groove forming part, and one of the groove
forming parts k1 on the toe side relative to a center section plane
Pc is defined as the second groove forming part. When the plurality
of groove forming parts k1 exist on the heel side relative to the
center section plane Pc, one of the groove forming parts k1 on the
heel side relative to a center section plane Pc is preferably
defined as the first groove forming part, and one of the groove
forming parts k1 on the heel side relative to a center section
plane Pc is preferably defined as the second groove forming
part.
In the head 2, a plurality of sets (two sets) consisting of the
first groove forming part k1 and the second groove forming part k1
exist.
In FIG. 2, a plane Pc passing through the center of gravity of the
head, including a front-back directional line and being
perpendicular to the horizontal plane H in the head of the standard
condition is shown by a dashed-two dotted line. The plane Pc is the
center section plane in the present application.
In the head 2, the plurality of groove forming parts k1 exist on
the toe side relative to the center section plane Pc. In the head
2, the groove forming part k11 and the groove forming part k12
exist on the toe side relative to the center section plane Pc. In
the head 2, the first groove forming part and the second groove
forming part exist on the toe side relative to the center section
plane Pc.
In the head 2, the plurality of groove forming parts k1 exist on
the heel side relative to the center section plane Pc. In the head
2, the groove forming part k13 and the groove forming part k14
exist on the heel side relative to the center section plane Pc. In
the head 2, the first groove forming part and the second groove
forming part exist on the heel side relative to the center section
plane Pc.
In the head 2, the plurality of groove forming parts k1 existing on
the toe side relative to the center section plane Pc, and the
plurality of groove forming parts k1 existing on the heel side
relative to the center section plane Pc exist. In this case, for
example, in a region on the toe side relative to the center section
plane Pc, the groove forming part k1 farthest from the center
section plane Pc is defined as the first groove forming part, and
the groove forming part k1 nearest to the center section plane Pc
is defined as the second groove forming part. In this case, for
example, in a region of the heel side relative to the center
section plane Pc, the groove forming part k1 farthest from the
center section plane Pc is defined as the first groove forming
part, and the groove forming part k1 nearest to the center section
plane Pc is defined as the second groove forming part.
In the head 2, in the region of the toe side relative to the center
section plane Pc, the distance B1 between the first groove forming
part k11 and the second groove forming part k12 in the toe-heel
direction is wider toward the back of the head.
In the head 2, in the region of the heel side relative to the
center section plane Pc, the distance B1 between the first groove
forming part k14 and the second groove forming part k13 in the
toe-heel direction is wider toward the back of the head.
Great stress is apt to act on a portion near the face surface. The
distance B1 is narrower toward the face surface, and thereby the
rigidity of the sole can be efficiently enhanced. The distance B1
is wider toward the back, and thereby the stress acting on the
groove forming part k1 can be efficiently dispersed. Therefore, the
distance B1 is wider toward the back of the head, and thereby the
rigidity of the head can be efficiently enhanced. The distance B1
is wider toward the back of the head, and thereby the load on the
bottom of the groove can be reduced and the durability can be
enhanced. From this viewpoint, preferably, the sole part does not
have a portion in which the distance between the groove forming
parts in the toe-heel direction is narrower toward the back of the
head.
FIGS. 5 and 6 are views of a head 20 according to a second
embodiment as seen from a sole side. The head 20 has a face part
(not shown), a crown part (not shown), a sole part 22, a side part
24, and a hosel part 26. The head 20 is the same as the head 2
except for the arrangement of groove forming parts k1.
The sole part 22 has connecting groove parts r1. Two connecting
groove parts r1 are formed on the sole part 22.
The connecting groove part r1 is bent. The connecting groove part
r1 extends toward the front from one end thereof, is folded,
extends toward the back, and extends to the other end thereof.
The connecting groove part r1 is formed by connecting a plurality
(two) of groove forming parts k1. In the present application, one
connecting groove part r1 is considered to be formed by connecting
two groove forming parts k1 with each other. The connecting groove
part r1 is formed by connecting a front end e1 of the first groove
forming part k1 and a front end e1 of the second groove forming
part k1 with each other.
As shown in FIG. 5, a first connecting groove part r11 is provided
on a toe side relative to a center section plane Pc. A second
connecting groove part r12 is provided on a heel side relative to
the center section plane Pc. A first connecting groove part r1 is
provided on the toe side relative to the center of the head 20 in a
toe-heel direction. A second connecting groove part r1 is provided
on the heel side relative to the center of the head 20 in the
toe-heel direction.
As shown in FIG. 5, the first connecting groove part r11 has a
first straight line part ts1, a second straight line part ts2, and
a third straight line part ts3. In a projected image Te to be
described later, the first straight line part ts1, the second
straight line part ts2, and the third straight line part ts3
extends straightly. The first straight line part ts1 extends
approximately along a front-back direction. The second straight
line part ts2 extends so as that the back side thereof is closer to
the toe side. The third straight line part ts3 connects a front end
of the first straight line part ts1 to a front end of the second
straight line part ts2. The third straight line part ts3 extends
approximately along the toe-heel direction. All the extending
directions of the connecting groove parts are judged in the
projected image Te to be described later. The first straight line
part ts1, the second straight line part ts2 and the third straight
line part ts3 extends linearly. However, these may extend
curvedly.
The second connecting groove part r12 has a first straight line
part ts4, a second straight line part ts5 and a third straight line
part ts6. In the projected image Te, the first straight line part
ts4, the second straight line part ts5 and the third straight line
part ts6 extend straightly. The first straight line part ts4
extends approximately along the front-back direction. The second
straight line part ts5 extends so as that the back side thereof is
closer to the heel side. The third straight line part ts6 connects
a front end of the first straight line part ts4 to a front end of
the second straight line part ts5 with each other. The third
straight line part ts6 extends approximately along the toe-heel
direction. All the extending directions of the connecting groove
parts are judged in the projected image Te to be described later.
The first straight line part ts4, the second straight line part ts5
and the third straight line part ts6 extends linearly. However,
these may extend curvedly.
The connecting groove part r1 is divided into the first groove
forming part k1 and the second groove forming part k1. The division
is carried out by a division line v1. The division line v1 is a
straight line which extends in the front-back direction and passes
through a dividing point t1. The dividing point t1 is a forefront
point of the connecting groove part r1. That is, the dividing point
t1 is a point located closest to the front in the connecting groove
part r1. The term "front" is a front in the front-back direction.
When a plurality of points sp1 located closest to the front exist,
a central point cs1 between a forefront point sp1 closest to the
toe side and a forefront point sp1 closest to the heel side in the
toe-heel direction is defined as the dividing point t1. When the
central point cs1 does not exist on the connecting groove part r1,
a straight line Ls1 passing through the central point cs1 and
extending in the front-back direction is considered, and a point on
the straight line Ls1 may be defined as the dividing point t1. In
this case, the straight line Ls1 agrees to the division line v1.
The division line v1 is a virtual line. The division line v1 is
drawn in the projected image Te. The dividing point t1 is
determined in the projected image Te.
In the present application, the extending directions of the groove
forming parts and all the angles relating to the groove forming
parts are judged in the projected image Te.
The front end e1 of the first groove forming part k1 exists on the
division line v1. The front end e1 of the second groove forming
part k1 also exists on the division line v1.
Thus, the connecting groove part r1 is divided into the first
groove forming part k1 and the second groove forming part k1 by the
division line v1.
FIGS. 7 and 8 are views of a head 30 according to a third
embodiment as seen from a sole side. The head 30 has a face part
(not shown), a crown part (not shown), a sole part 32, a side part
34 and a hosel part 36. The head 30 is the same as the head 2
except for the arrangement of groove forming parts k1.
The sole part 32 has connecting groove parts r1. Two connecting
groove parts r1 are provided on the sole part 32. A first
connecting groove part r11 is provided on a toe side relative to a
center section plane Pc. A second connecting groove part r12 is
provided on a heel side relative to the center section plane Pc. A
first connecting groove part r1 is provided on the toe side
relative to the center of the head 30 in a toe-heel direction. A
second connecting groove part r1 is provided on the heel side
relative to the center of the head 30 in the toe-heel
direction.
The first connecting groove part r11 has a first straight line part
ts1, a second straight line part ts2, and a third straight line
part ts3. In a projected image Te, the first straight line part
ts1, the second straight line part ts2, and the third straight line
part ts3 extends straightly. The first straight line part ts1
extends so as that the back side thereof is closer to the toe side.
The second straight line part ts2 extends so as that the back side
thereof is closer to the toe side. A distance between the first
straight line part ts1 and the second straight line part ts2 in the
toe-heel direction is wider toward the back side. The third
straight line part ts3 connects a front end of the first straight
line part ts1 to a front end of the second straight line part ts2.
The third straight line part ts3 extends approximately along the
toe-heel direction. All the extending directions of the connecting
groove parts are judged in the projected image Te to be described
later. The first straight line part ts1, the second straight line
part ts2 and the third straight line part ts3 extend linearly.
However, these may extend curvedly.
The second connecting groove part r12 has a first straight line
part ts4, a second straight line part ts5 and a third straight line
part ts6. In the projected image Te, the first straight line part
ts4, the second straight line part ts5 and the third straight line
part ts6 extend straightly. The first straight line part ts4
extends so as that the back side thereof is closer to the toe side.
The second straight line part ts5 extends so as that the back side
thereof is closer to the heel side. A distance between the first
straight line part ts4 and the second straight line part ts5 in the
toe-heel direction is wider toward the back side. The third
straight line part ts6 connects a front end of the first straight
line part ts4 to a front end of the second straight line part ts5.
The third straight line part ts6 extends approximately along the
toe-heel direction. All the extending directions of the connecting
groove parts are judged in the projected image Te to be described
later. The first straight line part ts4, the second straight line
part ts5 and the third straight line part ts6 extend linearly.
However, these may extend curvedly.
The connecting groove part r1 is bent. The connecting groove part
r1 extends toward the front side from one end thereof, is folded,
extends toward the back side, and extends to the other end
thereof.
The connecting groove part r1 is formed by connecting a plurality
(two) of groove forming parts k1 with each other. In the present
application, one connecting groove part r1 is considered to be
formed by connecting two groove forming parts k1 with each other.
The connecting groove part r1 is formed by connecting a front end
e1 of the first groove forming part k1 and a front end e1 of the
second groove forming part k1 with each other.
The front end e1 of the first groove forming part k1 exists on the
division line v1. The front end e1 of the second groove forming
part k1 also exists on the division line v1. The connecting groove
part r1 is divided into the first groove forming part k1 and the
second groove forming part k1 by the division line v1.
In the head 20 and the head 30, the distance of each of all the
connecting groove parts r1 in the toe-heel direction is wider
toward the back. That is, in each of the connecting groove parts
r1, the distance between the first groove forming part k1 and the
second groove forming part k1 in the toe-heel direction is wider
toward the back side.
In the present application, the extending directions of the groove
forming parts and all the angles relating to the groove forming
parts are judged in the projected image Te. All the angles shown in
FIGS. 4, 6 and 8 are angles in the projected image Te.
Examples of the angles described in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8 include an
angle .theta.a, an angle .theta.t, an angle .theta.h, an angle
.theta.1, an angle .theta.2 and an angle .theta.3.
The double-pointed arrow .theta.a shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8 is an
angle between the extending direction of the first groove forming
part k1 and the extending direction of the second groove forming
part k1 adjacent to the first groove forming part k1. Preferably,
the angle .theta.a is an angle formed by two groove forming parts
k1 disposed on the toe side relative to the center section plane
Pc. Alternatively, preferably, the angle .theta.a is an angle
formed by two groove forming parts k1 disposed on the heel side
relative to the center section plane Pc. The rigidity of the sole
part is effectively enhanced by enlarging the angle .theta.a, and
thereby the improving effect of the hitting sound can be obtained.
When the angle .theta.a is small, two groove forming parts k1 are
nearly in parallel with each other, and stress concentration is apt
to occur in the bottom of the groove. The stress concentration is
apt to deteriorate the durability. From these viewpoints, the angle
.theta.a is preferably equal to or greater than 5 degrees, more
preferably equal to or greater than 10 degrees, and still more
preferably equal to or greater than 20 degrees. When the extending
direction of the groove forming part is close to the toe-heel
direction, the groove forming part is apt to be curved by impact
caused at the time of hitting a ball. When the deformation of the
groove forming part is great, the durability of the groove forming
part is apt to be deteriorated. From this viewpoint, the angle
.theta.a is preferably equal to or less than 60 degrees, more
preferably equal to or less than 50 degrees, and still more
preferably equal to or less than 40 degrees, and particularly
preferably equal to or less than 30 degrees.
The double-pointed arrow .theta.t shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8 is an
angle between the groove forming part k1 located closest to the toe
side and the front-back direction. In light of hitting sound
improving effect and durability, the angle .theta.t is preferably
equal to or greater than 10 degrees, more preferably equal to or
greater than 15 degrees, still more preferably equal to or greater
than 20 degrees, and particularly preferably equal to or greater
than 30 degrees. In light of suppressing the deformation of the
groove forming part to enhance the durability, the angle .theta.t
is preferably equal to or less than 60 degrees, more preferably
equal to or less than 50 degrees, and still more preferably equal
to or less than 40 degrees.
The double-pointed arrow .theta.h shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8 is an
angle between the groove forming part k1 located closest to the
heel side and the front-back direction. In light of the hitting
sound improving effect and the durability, the angle .theta.h is
preferably equal to or greater than 10 degrees, more preferably
equal to or greater than 15 degrees, still more preferably equal to
or greater than 20 degrees, and particularly preferably equal to or
greater than 30 degrees. In light of suppressing the deformation of
the groove forming part to enhance the durability, the angle
.theta.h is preferably equal to or less than 60 degrees, more
preferably equal to or less than 50 degrees, and still more
preferably equal to or less than 40 degrees.
The double-pointed arrow .theta.1 shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 is an
angle between the extending direction of the groove forming part k1
closest to the center section plane Pc and the front-back direction
when the head is divided by the center section plane Pc. The angle
.theta.1 may be 0 degree. In light of alleviating the stress
concentration in the face side end part of the groove forming part
k1, the absolute value of the angle .theta.1 is preferably equal to
or greater than 5 degrees, and more preferably equal to or greater
than 10 degrees. In light of the groove forming part k1 closest to
the center section plane Pc among the groove forming parts k1
located on the toe side relative to the center section plane Pc,
and the groove forming part k1 closest to the center section plane
Pc among the groove forming parts k1 located on the heel side
relative to the center section plane Pc being separated as
approaching the back side of the head, the angle .theta.1 is
preferably equal to or greater than 5 degrees, and preferably equal
to or greater than 10 degrees. When the angle .theta.1 is
excessively great, the stress concentration is apt to occur in the
bottom of the groove. When the angle .theta.1 is excessively great,
an angle .theta.2 to be described later is easily set to a
preferable value. From this viewpoint, the angle .theta.1 is
preferably equal to or less than 30 degrees, more preferably equal
to or less than 20 degrees, and still more preferably equal to or
less than 15 degrees. In light of efficiently enhancing the
rigidity of the sole part, the extending direction of the groove
forming part k1 near the center section plane Pc is preferably
inclined so as that the back thereof is away from the center
section plane Pc when the head is divided by the center section
plane Pc.
When the extending direction of the groove forming part k1 is
separated from the center section plane Pc as approaching the back
side, the angle .theta.1 is defined as a plus value. On the other
hand, when the extending direction of the groove forming part k1 is
separated from the center section plane Pc as approaching the front
side, the angle .theta.1 is defined as a minus value. In the
embodiment of FIG. 6, both the angles .theta.1 of two positions are
minus. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, both the angles .theta.1 of two
positions are plus. Referring to the angle .theta.h and the angle
.theta.t, plus and minus are defined as well as the angle .theta.1.
In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the angle .theta.h is plus and the
angle .theta.t is also plus.
The double-pointed arrow .theta.2 shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 is an
angle between the extending direction of the groove forming part k1
farthest from the center section plane Pc and the front-back
direction when the head is divided by the center section plane Pc.
In light of setting the angle .theta.1 to a preferable value, the
angle .theta.2 is preferably equal to or greater than 10 degrees,
more preferably equal to or greater than 15 degrees, still more
preferably equal to or greater than 20 degrees, and particularly
preferably equal to or greater than 30 degrees. In light of
suppressing the deformation of the groove forming part to enhance
the durability, the angle .theta.2 is preferably equal to or less
than 60 degrees, more preferably equal to or less than 50 degrees,
and still more preferably equal to or less than 40 degrees. In
light of efficiently enhancing the rigidity of the sole part to
improve the hitting sound, the extending direction of the groove
forming part k1 far from the center section plane Pc is preferably
inclined so as that the back side thereof is away from the center
section plane Pc when the head is divided by the center section
plane Pc.
When the extending direction of the groove forming part k1 is
separated from the center section plane Pc as approaching the back
side, the angle .theta.2 is defined as a plus value. On the other
hand, when the extending direction of the groove forming part k1 is
separated from the center section plane Pc as approaching the front
side, the angle .theta.2 is defined as a minus value. In the
embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 8, both the angles .theta.2 of two
positions are plus.
The double-pointed arrow .theta.3 shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8 is an
angle between the extending direction of the groove forming part k1
located closest to the toe side and the extending direction of the
groove forming part k1 located closest to the heel side. In light
of efficiently enhancing the rigidity of the sole part to improve
the hitting sound, the angle .theta.3 is preferably equal to or
greater than 20 degrees, more preferably equal to or greater than
30 degrees, still more preferably equal to or greater than 40
degrees, and particularly preferably equal to or greater than 60
degrees. In light of suppressing the deformation of the groove
forming part to enhance the durability, the angle .theta.3 is
preferably equal to or less than 120 degrees, more preferably equal
to or less than 100 degrees, and still more preferably equal to or
less than 80 degrees.
In the embodiment of FIG. 6 and the embodiment of FIG. 8, the
groove forming parts k1 are bent. An extending direction En of the
groove forming part k1 is defined as follows, including the case
where the groove forming parts k1 are bent. In the projected image
Te, a straight line Lx which connects a point on the groove forming
part k1 located closest to the front side and a point on the groove
forming part k1 located closest to the back side with each other is
defined. The direction of the straight line Lx is the extending
direction En. When the connecting groove part r1 is formed by
connecting the groove forming parts k1, a straight line which
connects a point located closest to the back and a dividing point
t1 with each other is the straight line Lx. The direction of this
straight line Lx is the extending direction En. The straight line
Lx is contained in a straight line drawn as the extending direction
En in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8.
A maximum distance between a point which exists on the groove
forming part k1 and the straight line Lx is shown by a
double-pointed arrow m1 in FIG. 6. A length (mm) of the straight
line Lx is shown by a double-pointed arrow L1 in FIG. 6. The
distance m1 and the length L1 are determined in the projected image
Te. When the groove forming parts k1 are bent, the distance m1 (mm)
is greater than 0. In light of further enhancing effects relating
to the angles (angle .theta.1, angle .theta.2, angle .theta.3,
angle .theta.a, angle .theta.t, and angle .theta.h), a ratio
[m1/L1] of the distance m1 to the length L1 is considered. The
effects relating to the angles can be enhanced with the smaller
ratio [m1/L1] when the groove forming parts r1 are bent. From this
viewpoint, the ratio [m1/L1] is preferably equal to or less than
0.5, more preferably equal to or less than 0.3, and still more
preferably equal to or less than 0.1.
A depth (mm) of a groove on the outer surface side of the groove
forming part is shown by a double-pointed arrow D1 in FIG. 3. In
light of enhancing the hitting sound improving effect, the depth D1
is preferably equal to or greater than 0.1 mm, more preferably
equal to or greater than 0.3 mm, and still more preferably equal to
or greater than 0.5 mm. In light of the durability of the groove
forming part, the depth D1 is preferably equal to or less than 3
mm, more preferably equal to or less than 2 mm, and still more
preferably equal to or less than 1 mm.
A height (mm) of the protruding part on the inner surface side of
the groove forming part is shown by a double-pointed arrow H1 in
FIG. 3. In light of enhancing the hitting sound improving effect,
the height H1 is preferably equal to or greater than 0.1 mm, more
preferably equal to or greater than 0.3 mm, and still more
preferably equal to or greater than 0.5 mm. In light of the
durability of the groove forming part, the height H1 is preferably
equal to or less than 3 mm, more preferably equal to or less than 2
mm, and still more preferably equal to or less than 1 mm.
In light of the durability and the hitting sound improving effect,
the thickness of the groove forming part is preferably greater than
that of the sole part around the groove forming part. From this
viewpoint, the height H1 is preferably greater than the depth D1.
Specifically, a difference (H1-D1) between H1 and D1 is preferably
equal to or greater than 0.1 mm. In light of suppressing the
increase in the weight, the difference (H1-D1) is preferably equal
to or less than 2 mm, more preferably equal to or less than 1 mm,
and still more preferably equal to or less than 0.5 mm.
A groove Mt (not shown) other than the groove forming part may be
formed on the sole part. Preferably, the groove forming part and
the groove Mt are not crossed with each other. When the groove
forming part and the groove Mt are crossed with each other, cracks
or the like are apt to be created in the crossing portion. In the
same viewpoint, preferably, the groove forming parts are not
crossed with each other.
A length Lk1 (not shown) of the groove forming part is not limited.
In light of the hitting sound improving effect, the length Lk1 is
preferably equal to or greater than 30 mm, more preferably equal to
or greater than 40 mm, still more preferably equal to or greater
than 50 mm, and particularly preferably equal to or greater than 70
mm. In light of the durability of the groove forming part and of
the suppression of the weight of the head, the length Lk1 is
preferably equal to or less than 150 mm, more preferably equal to
or less than 120 mm, and still more preferably equal to or less
than 100 mm. When the groove forming parts are bent, the length Lk1
is measured along the bent direction. When the connecting groove
part is provided, the length Lk1 is a length between the division
line v1 and the back end of the groove forming part.
The central part of the sole part is apt to vibrate as compared
with the peripheral part of the sole part. The hitting sound is
likely to be more effectively improved by providing the groove
forming part on the central part of the sole part. From this
viewpoint, a length Lk11 (mm) of the groove forming part closest to
the center section plane Pc on the toe side relative to the center
section plane Pc is preferably longer than a length Lk12 (mm) of
the groove forming part farthest from the center section plane Pc
on the toe side relative to the center section plane Pc. Similarly,
the length Lk11 of the groove forming part closest to the center
section plane Pc on the heel side relative to the center section
plane Pc is preferably longer than the length Lk12 of the groove
forming part farthest from the center section plane Pc on the heel
side relative to the center section plane Pc. Specifically, a
difference [Lk11-Lk12] is preferably equal to or greater than 5 mm,
more preferably equal to or greater than 10 mm, and still more
preferably equal to or greater than 20 mm. When the length Lk12 is
excessively short, the hitting sound improving effect may be
deteriorated. From this viewpoint, the difference [Lk11-Lk12] is
preferably equal to or less than 80 mm, more preferably equal to or
less than 60 mm, and still more preferably equal to or less than 40
mm.
A length Lr (not shown) of the connecting groove part is not
limited. In light of the hitting sound improving effect, the length
Lr is preferably equal to or greater than 100 mm, more preferably
equal to or greater than 120 mm, still more preferably equal to or
greater than 130 mm. In light of the durability of the connecting
groove part and of the suppression of the weight of the head, the
length Lr is preferably equal to or less than 200 mm, more
preferably equal to or less than 180 mm, and still more preferably
equal to or less than 160 mm. When the connecting groove part is
bent, the length Lr is measured along the bent direction.
When the volume of the head is great, the thickness of the head is
apt to be thinned. Since the rigidity of the head is low when the
thickness of the head is thin, the effects of the present invention
obtained by the groove forming part are high. From this viewpoint,
the volume of the head is preferably equal to or greater than 350
cc, more preferably equal to or greater than 380 cc, and still more
preferably equal to or greater than 400 cc. In light of being
compliant with the Golf Rules, the volume of the head is preferably
equal to or less than 460 cc.
In light of a great moment of inertia enhancing the directionality
of the ball, the weight of the head is preferably equal to or
greater than 170 g, more preferably equal to or greater than 180 g,
and still more preferably equal to or greater than 190 g. In light
of obtaining the golf club which having an optimum club balance and
being easily swung, the weight of the head is preferably equal to
or less than 220 g, and more preferably equal to or less than 210
g.
The material for the head is not limited. As the material for the
head, metal and CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) or the like
are exemplified. As the metal used for the head, one or more kinds
of metals selected from pure titanium, a titanium alloy, stainless
steel, maraging steel, an aluminium alloy, Zr metal glass, carbon
steel, Fe--Al--Mn alloy, a magnesium alloy and a tungsten-nickel
alloy are exemplified. As the titanium alloy, 6-4 titanium
(Ti-6Al-4V) and Ti-15V-3Cr-3Sn-3Al or the like are exemplified.
A method for manufacturing the head is not particularly limited.
Usually, a hollow head is manufactured by bonding two or more
members. A method for manufacturing the members constituting the
head is not limited. As the method, casting, forging and press
forming are exemplified. In casting, lost wax precision casting is
preferable.
Examples of the structures of the heads include a two-piece
structure in which two members integrally formed respectively are
bonded, a three-piece structure in which three members integrally
formed respectively are bonded, and a four-piece structure in which
four members integrally formed respectively are bonded.
The following items are exemplified as the method for manufacturing
the head. (1) A head obtained by bonding a head body made of
stainless steel and formed by casting, and a face member made of a
titanium alloy by brazing. (2) A head obtained by bonding a head
body made of stainless steel and formed by casting, a face member
made of a titanium alloy, and a crown member made of a titanium
alloy by brazing. (3) A head obtained by bonding a head body made
of stainless steel and formed by casting, and a face member made of
maraging steel by welding. (4) A head obtained by bonding a head
body made of stainless steel and formed by casting, and a crown
member made of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic by an adhesive.
(5) A head obtained by bonding a head body made of stainless steel
and formed by casting, and a crown member made of a magnesium alloy
by an adhesive. (6) A head obtained by bonding a head body made of
a titanium alloy and formed by casting, and a face member made of a
titanium alloy by welding. (7) A head obtained by bonding a head
body made of a titanium alloy and formed by casting, a face member
made of a titanium alloy, and a crown member made of a titanium
alloy by welding. (8) A head obtained by welding a head body made
of a titanium alloy and formed by casting and a face member made of
a titanium alloy, and further bonding the head body and a crown
member made of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic by an adhesive.
(9) A head obtained by welding a head body made of a titanium alloy
and formed by casting and a face member made of a titanium alloy,
and further bonding the head body and a crown member made of a
magnesium alloy by an adhesive. (10) A head obtained by bonding a
head body made of a titanium alloy and formed by casting, and a
face member made of a magnesium alloy by an adhesive. (11) A head
obtained by bonding a head body made of a titanium alloy and formed
by casting, and a crown member made of a carbon fiber reinforced
plastic by an adhesive. A plate-shaped face member and a cup-shaped
face member are exemplified as the form of the face member.
EXAMPLES
Hereinafter, the effects of the present invention will be clarified
by Examples. However, the present invention should not be
interpreted in a limited way based on the description of
Examples.
Example 1
A head having the same structure as that of the head 2 was
produced. The configuration of a groove forming part as shown in
FIG. 2 was used. A head body was obtained by subjecting a titanium
alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) to lost-wax precision casting. A face member was
obtained by forging a titanium alloy (Ti-15V-3Cr-3Sn-3Al). The head
body and the face member were welded, and the outer surface of the
head was ground to obtain the head. The volume of the head was 460
cc. The weight of the head was 185 g.
An angle .theta.a formed by two groove forming parts located on a
toe side relative to a center section plane Pc was set to 30
degrees. An angle .theta.a formed by two groove forming parts
located on a heel side relative to the center section plane Pc was
set to 30 degrees. Both angles .theta.1 of two positions were set
to 0 degree. Both angles .theta.2 of two positions were set to 30
degrees. A shaft and a grip were mounted to the head to obtain a
golf club according to Example 1. The specifications and evaluation
results of Example 1 are shown in the following Table 1. The
meanings of the reference characters shown in Table 1 are the same
as those of the above-mentioned numerals.
Example 2
A head and a golf club according to Example 2 were obtained in the
same manner as in Example 1 except that the configuration of a
groove forming part as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 was used and that the
weight of a head was set to 187 g. The specifications and
evaluation results of Example 2 are shown in the following Table
1.
In Example 2, an angle .theta.a formed by two groove forming parts
located on a toe side relative to a center section plane Pc was set
to 30 degrees. An angle .theta.a formed by two groove forming parts
located on a heel side relative to the center section plane Pc was
also set to 30 degrees. Both angles .theta.1 of two positions were
set to -5 degrees. Both angles .theta.2 of two positions were set
to 25 degrees.
Example 3
A head and a golf club according to Example 3 were obtained in the
same manner as in Example 1 except that the configuration of a
groove forming part as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 was used and that the
weight of a head was set to 187 g. The specifications and
evaluation results of Example 3 are shown in the following Table
1.
In Example 3, an angle .theta.a formed by two groove forming parts
located on a toe side relative to a center section plane Pc was set
to 20 degrees. An angle .theta.a formed by two groove forming parts
located on a heel side relative to the center section plane Pc was
also set to 20 degrees. Both angles .theta.1 of two positions were
set to 10 degrees. Both angles .theta.2 of two positions were set
to 30 degrees.
Comparative Example 1
A head and a golf club according to Comparative Example 1 were
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the
configuration of a groove forming part as shown in FIG. 9 was used
and that the weight of a head was set to 190 g. The specifications
and evaluation results of Comparative Example 1 are shown in the
following Table 1.
As shown in FIG. 9, a head 40 of Comparative Example 1 has four
groove forming parts k1. The four groove forming parts k1 are
disposed at regular intervals in a toe-heel direction. The head 40
has a groove forming part k110, a groove forming part k111, a
groove forming part k112 and a groove forming part k113. In a
projected image Te, the groove forming part k110 extends in a
front-back direction. In the projected image Te, the groove forming
part k111 extends in the front-back direction. In the projected
image Te, the groove forming part k112 extends in the front-back
direction. In the projected image Te, the groove forming part k113
extends in the front-back direction. The two groove forming parts
k1 (the groove forming part k111 and the groove forming part k112)
near a center section plane Pc (not shown) are longer than the
other two groove forming parts k1 (k110, k113). The length of the
groove forming part k110 was set to 60 mm. The length of the groove
forming part k111 was set to 90 mm. The length of the groove
forming part k112 was set to 90 mm. The length of the groove
forming part k113 was set to 60 mm.
Comparative Example 2
A head and a golf club according to Comparative Example 2 were
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the
configuration of a groove forming part as shown in FIG. 10 was used
and that the weight of a head was set to 190 g. The specifications
and evaluation results of Comparative Example 2 are shown in the
following Table 1.
As shown in FIG. 10, a head 50 of Comparative Example 2 has four
groove forming parts k1. The four groove forming parts k1 are
disposed at regular intervals in a toe-heel direction. The head 50
has a groove forming part k120, a groove forming part k121, a
groove forming part k122 and a groove forming part k123. In the
projected image Te, the groove forming part k120 extends in a
toe-heel direction. In the projected image Te, the groove forming
part k121 extends in the toe-heel direction. In the projected image
Te, the groove forming part k122 extends in the toe-heel direction.
In the projected image Te, the groove forming part k123 extends in
the toe-heel direction. The length of the groove forming part k120
located closest to the front is equal to that of the groove forming
part k123 located closest to the back. The length of the groove
forming part k121 is equal to that of the groove forming part k122.
The groove forming part k120 and the groove forming part k123 are
shorter than the groove forming part k121 and the groove forming
part k122. That is, the length of each of the two groove forming
parts k1 disposed outside is shorter than the length of each of the
two groove forming parts k1 disposed inside. The length of the
groove forming part k120 was set to 60 mm. The length of the groove
forming part k121 was set to 90 mm. The length of the groove
forming part k122 was set to 90 mm. The length of the groove
forming part k123 was set to 60 mm.
[Evaluation of Hitting Sound]
Each of ten golf players hit 10 golf balls with each of the golf
clubs, and the hitting sound of each of the golf clubs was
evaluated. The following four items (a), (b), (c) and (d) were used
as evaluation items. Each of the golf players evaluated each of the
golf clubs in 5 stages of one point to five points for each of the
items. Higher evaluation points mean better evaluations. The
average value of the evaluation points is shown in the following
Table 1. The total of the average point of four evaluation items is
shown in the following Table 1 as "overall evaluation". (a)
Loudness of sound (b) Pitch of sound (c) Resonance (d) Preference
[Evaluation of Durability]
The golf club of each of Examples was mounted to a swing robot and
made to hit golf balls at a head speed of 50 m/s. The hitting point
was set to a sweet spot position. The test was completed when
cracks were created on the head. The number of hittings until
cracks were created on the head is shown in the following Table
1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Specifications and evaluation results of
Examples and Comparative examples Comparative Comparative Example 1
Example 2 Example 3 Example 1 Example 2 Head volume (cc) 460 460
460 460 460 Head weight (g) 185 187 187 190 190 .theta. a (degree)
30 30 20 0 0 .theta. 1 (degree) 0 -5 10 0 90 .theta. 2 (degree) 30
25 30 0 90 Lk11 (mm) 90 90 90 90 -- Lk12 (mm) 60 60 60 60 -- Length
of outer side groove -- -- -- -- 60 forming parts (mm) Length of
inner side groove -- -- -- -- 90 forming parts (mm) D1 (mm) 0.5 0.5
0.5 0.5 0.5 H1 (mm) 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 Evaluation of Loudness of
4.0 4.4 4.7 3.9 3.3 hitting sound sound Pitch of sound 4.3 4.2 4.7
4.2 3.5 Resonance 4.0 4.1 4.5 3.4 3.0 Preference 3.8 4.3 4.8 4.0
3.1 Overall 16.1 17.0 18.7 15.5 12.9 evaluation Evaluation of
durability 11627 13867 16482 9411 8476
As shown in Table 1, Examples have higher evaluation than those of
Comparative Examples. Advantages of the present invention are
clearly indicated by these results of evaluation.
The present invention is applicable to all types of golf club heads
such as wood type golf club heads, utility type heads (hybrid type
heads) and iron type golf club heads or the like.
The description hereinabove is merely for an illustrative example,
and various modifications can be made in the scope not to depart
from the principles of the present invention.
* * * * *